Old Litas (1922-1941) Coin List
Lithuania's national currency, known as Old Litas, was in circulation from 1922 to 1941. This period marked an important era in the country's economic and political history, reflecting its independence and development as a sovereign nation after the First World War.
Introduction and characteristics of the Old Litas
The Old Litas was introduced in 1922 to replace the German ostmark and the Russian ruble. The currency was divided into 100 centai and issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centai in coins, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 20, 50 and 100 litas in banknotes. The lower value coins were made of bronze, while the higher denomination coins were made of silver. The coin designs featured Lithuanian national symbols, such as the Vytis (the knight on horseback from the Lithuanian coat of arms) and the Columns of Gediminas, reflecting the pride and national identity of the newly independent country.
Evolution and end of Old Litas
During its existence, Old Litas experienced periods of stability and challenges. In 1934, it was pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 1 USD = 6 litas, which helped stabilize the Lithuanian economy. However, World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation in 1940 marked the end of this currency. In 1941, the Old Litas was replaced by the Soviet ruble, ending almost two decades of Lithuanian monetary sovereignty. Old Litas coins became valuable historical and numismatic artifacts, representing a crucial period of independence and economic development in Lithuanian history.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Old Litas (1922-1941) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Coins of Lithuania according to historical period
For ease of organization, the coins have been arranged according to their historical period, both current and old Lithuania coins are classified by their numismatic historical categories according to their issues.
Old Litas 1922-1941 New Litas 1993-2014 Euro 2015-?Coin Catalog
Lituania | 1 centas
Lituania | 5 centai
Lituania | 10 centu
Lituania | 20 centu
Lituania | 50 centu
Lituania | 1 litas
Lituania | 2 litu
Lituania | 5 litai
Lituania | 1 centas
Lituania | 2 centai
Lituania | 5 centai
Lituania | 5 litai (Jonas Basanavičius)
Lituania | 10 litu (Vytautas the Great)
Lituania | 10 litai (20th Anniversary of the Republic)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Lithuania
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